Report: Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia “expected to become” next head coach of the Detroit Lions

The New England Patriots played a dominant game against the Tennessee Titans yesterday, beating the visitors 35-14 to earn their seventh straight berth in the AFC title game. New England looked very good on both offense and defense – and the consistency of the latter taking place over the past few years is a big reason why coordinator Matt Patricia is a hot name on the coaching market right now.

In fact, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Patricia is close to finding a new home: According to a report by the league insider, he is expected to become the next head coach of the Detroit Lions:

New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, though linked to the New York Giants’ job, is likely to become the next head coach of the Detroit Lions, league sources told ESPN.

Patricia and the Lions still need to agree to and work out the contract details after the Patriots’ season ends.

Patricia serves as the Patriots’ defensive coordinator since 2012. During his tenure, the team never finished outside of the top 10 in scoring, with 2016’s Super Bowl winning unit leading the league in the category. The 43-year old has consistently been among the top head coaching candidates but so far has not left New England.

It appears as if this will likely change this year with Detroit, led by former Patriots Director of Pro Scouting Bob Quinn, knocking. Once Patricia officially joins the Lions, expect New England's current linebackers coach Brain Flores – unless the Arizona Cardinals surprisingly do hire him as their next head coach – to be elevated to defensive coordinator.